Page 6 of The Rebel of Raleigh High

“Gee. Thanks, Mom.” Max isn’t the only Parisi child with a Ph.D. in sarcasm.

“I’m just saying. A little R and R never hurt anybody. It’s good for the soul.”

“Ah, then I’m okay, then. Vampires don’t have souls.”

Mom points her fork at me, talking around a mouthful of food. “That has not been proven. Countless books and movies would have us believe otherwise. Now can you please lighten up a little? I’m trying to live vicariously through you, and you’re making it really boring.” She winks, and I consider hurling a pancake at her.

“Aren’t you going to be late?” I ask, checking with Mickey Mouse. “It’s almost quarter to nine. You aren’t even dressed.”

Her eyes go wide. Scrambling to her feet, she grabs her plate. “Shit! I am. I am so going to be late!”

“Jeez! No swearing, Mom!” Max hollers.

“Sorry, honey!” She flies out of the kitchen, her hair streaming out like a honey gold banner behind her, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

I’m glad the conversation ended when it did. Somehow, Mom hasn’t even noticed that Kacey and I aren’t friends anymore…and I wouldn’t have the faintest clue how to begin explaining that one to her.